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Black History Month marks its 100th anniversary—a century of honoring Black legacy, leadership, and excellence. Throughout February, Clean Water Action will proudly spotlight our Black Water Champions: leaders who are advancing the vital work of protecting our water, our health, and our communities.

The public comment period on the so-called “Polluted Water Rule” closed on January 5, 2026. Almost immediately, the Trump administration moved on to its next attack on the Clean Water Act, this time targeting Section 401, one of the most important tools states and Tribes have to protect their waters. That timing tells you everything you need to know.

Perhaps nothing makes people run for the hills faster than the prospect of a meaty discussion about federal appropriations of funding for the federal government. At least that what happens whenever I try to talk to my friends about it. But keep your seat for a minute.

Here’s why the federal budget and appropriations process matters. Maybe you’d rather think about what more we need to do to control water pollution. Or you’ve seen headlines about challenges in drinking water like PFAS chemicals and want to focus on addressing this issue. The decisions Congress makes on the federal budget will